by Chris Strauss, USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith spent part of his offseason on Capitol Hill, working an internship in the office of U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) for the bulk of March. Cummings, who represents Maryland's 7th district, has been a United States congressman for 17 years.

Smith was a criminal justice major at the University of Maryland, and decided that with some spare time this offseason he wanted to get out and do something outside the box. He talked to Ravens Director of Player Development Harry Swayne, who hooked up the government gig.

"It's about seeing what's out there," Smith said. "As an athlete I feel like I always said, 'Man, I can't wait till I can just play football and I don't have to worry about school.' Now that all we do is work out and you have the rest of the day, I feel like I'm limiting myself if I don't do anything else."

Smith worked mostly out of the Baltimore office but traveled to Washington D.C. several times for the internship.

At 24, Smith looks to have plenty of years left in his NFL career, but he wouldn't be the first player to enter the House should he attempt that route in the future. Former Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler, Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent and Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan have all served as U.S. congressmen.